This petition calls on the UK government to participate in the EU Joint Procurement Scheme of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Ventilators to make sure that NHS frontline staff get the life-saving equipment that they need in their selfless fight against Covid-19. 

It has emerged today (24 March 2020) that the UK government has not participated in the first round of the EU Joint Procurement Scheme for Personal Protective Equipment and Ventilators organised by the EU commission. The programme aims to reduce costs and pool resources for participating countries by taking advantage of the EU's large collective buying power when dealing with medical equipment manufacturers. The EU explicitly stated that the UK is eligible to participate in the scheme under the terms of the transition agreement. 

It has also emerged today that the UK has recorded its highest increase of both new infections and fatalities in the last 24 hours. In light of this national emergency, it seems irresponsible for the UK government to refuse participation in a programme that can help equip frontline medical staff with the equipment they so urgently need. 

Both the Doctors'Association UK and the The Royal College of Nursing, along with other industry bodies, have  pointed to the risks related to the severe shortage of protective kit that NHS staff is currently experiencing.

The government must put pragmatism above ideological considerations and urgently opt in to the EU joint procurement scheme, so that vital equipment can be made available to the NHS as fast as possible. 

Whether you voted leave or remain, this is not about politics. This is about saving lives. Please support this petition to protect the NHS.